The Dizzy Diaries

In this episode of The Dizzy Diaries, we’re talking about resilience, growth, and the strength you don’t always see in yourself.Inspired by a powerful reflection on a tiny sapling daring to grow into a strong oak tree, this episode explores what it really means to keep going when life feels uncertain, overwhelming, or physically limiting.If you’re navigating chronic illness, dysautonomia, or a challenging season in your life, this is your reminder that progress doesn’t have to be loud to be real.We dive into:Why growth isn’t always visible in the momentThe science behind consistency, progression, and recoveryHow your body is adapting, even when it doesn’t feel like itThe importance of rest as part of the process, not a setbackAnd why looking back at how far you’ve come can be one of the most powerful tools you haveSometimes strength looks like pushing forward.Sometimes it looks like pausing, reflecting, and starting again.Wherever you are in your journey, this episode is your reminder that you are more capable, more resilient, and more prepared than you think.

In this Friday Fable, I tell the story of a village emerging from a long winter - where the return of sunlight sparks bursts of energy, celebration, and rebuilding… followed by unexpected exhaustion.This story is my way of gently exploring something I see all the time in chronic illness, and something many of us experience ourselves: feeling worse after a “good” day.Through this metaphor, I reflect on what it means to live with limited or fluctuating energy - where doing more on a high-energy day can lead to delayed crashes, fatigue, and setbacks. Not because you’ve done anything wrong, but because your system is still rebuilding.In this episode, I share:• A softer way to understand the “good day → crash” cycle• Why pacing and consistency matter more than intensity• A different perspective on progress that isn’t all or nothing• A reminder that recovery is built in small, repeatable stepsLike early spring, healing doesn’t arrive all at once.It flickers.It builds.It asks for patience.If you’re learning how to work with your energy instead of against it, this is a soft place to land.Happy Friday 🌿

Why do you feel worse after a “good” day?In this clinical episode, I break down the physiology behind the all-too-familiar cycle of having a productive, high-energy day, followed by a sudden crash of fatigue, dizziness, pain or brain fog.This pattern is common in conditions such as dysautonomia, long COVID, autoimmune disease and post-viral syndromes, and is often linked to nervous system dysregulation and post-exertional symptom exacerbation.In this episode, you’ll learn:• Why symptoms are often delayed after activity• How adrenaline and stress hormones can mask fatigue• What’s happening in the nervous system during a “crash”I introduce the concept of analeptic exercise - a structured approach using short, controlled bursts of activity followed by full recovery to gently retrain the nervous system.You’ll learn:• What analeptic exercise is and how it works• The science behind short-duration activity and recovery• How it can help reduce boom-and-bust cycles• A real clinical example from a long COVID patient• Why this approach is not one-size-fits-all and requires individualisationThis episode is designed to help you move away from “all or nothing” activity patterns and towards more sustainable, consistent progress.As always, this podcast is for education only and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. If you are experiencing significant post-exertional symptoms, speak to a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your routine.🎧 Listen now to learn how to work with your body, not against it.Stay measured. Stay informed. And build progress that lasts.

Some days everything fits neatly together. Other days, the pieces fall faster than you can place them.In this Friday Fable from The Dizzy Diaries, we meet a girl trying to build a tower in a strange game where blocks fall from the sky. Some pieces slide perfectly into place. Others pile up in awkward shapes she never expected.Just when she thinks the tower is steady, a new piece arrives and everything must shift again.Through the game, she learns something important: progress isn’t about stacking every piece perfectly. It’s about learning how to keep playing as the shapes keep changing.This gentle story explores the reality of non-linear recovery in chronic illness, where energy, symptoms, and capacity rarely line up in tidy rows.A short reflective tale for anyone who has ever felt like their health is a puzzle that keeps rearranging itself.

Recovery with a chronic illness rarely moves in a straight line. One week you feel stronger, the next you feel like you’ve slid backwards. It can be confusing, discouraging, and make you question whether what you’re doing is actually working.In this episode of The Dizzy Diaries, we unpack the science and reality behind non-linear recovery.We talk about why symptoms can fluctuate, how the nervous system adapts over time, and why setbacks are often part of the process rather than proof that progress has stopped.If your recovery has ever felt like a zig-zag instead of a straight road, this episode is for you.

Today's Friday Fable is based on the clinical episode from earlier this week.This short story offers:• A compassionate reframing of nerve dysfunction• Validation for those experiencing sensory loss• A calming, metaphorical explanation of what neuropathy feels like• A reminder that injured nerves need protection, not punishmentIf you live with neuropathy, dysautonomia, or sensory changes, this fable is a soft place to land at the end of the week.Sometimes the messengers aren’t failing you.Sometimes they just need time to heal.Happy Friday.

In this clinical episode, I break down small fibre neuropathy in a clear, science-backed and accessible way.After experiencing months of numbness, tingling and burning pain that I initially dismissed, a simple neurological pin-prick test revealed significant sensory loss up to my elbows and mid-calves. In this episode, I share that experience and explain what is actually happening inside the body.You’ll learn:• What small fibre neuropathy is• Why symptoms can include burning, numbness, electric shock sensations or reduced sensation• How small fibre nerves overlap with autonomic dysfunction and conditions like POTS• Common causes including autoimmune disease, vitamin deficiencies, diabetes, infection and chemotherapy• Why nerve healing is slower than muscle recoveryAs always, this podcast is educational and not a substitute for individual medical advice. If you are experiencing new or worsening neurological symptoms, speak to your healthcare professional.Stay informed. Stay curious. And take up space in your healthcare story.

This book was written during a season where I couldn’t see very far ahead and early on in my journey with health challenges. In this episode, I’m sharing the story behind the book. Not the polished “author journey,” but the real one. The fear, the uncertainty, the survival mode writing, and the quiet hope that crept in along the way (yes, this took a long time to find).I talk about:• Writing when you don’t feel well enough to dream (supporting reflection)• Creating something while grieving the life you thought you’d have• How chronic illness reshaped my relationship with time, ambition, and identity• Who I was when I wrote this book, and who I’m becoming now (hello Dizzy Diaries)This isn’t just about a book. It’s about what it means to leave proof of yourself behind when the future feels blurry, and how sometimes the things we create end up carrying us.If you’re navigating illness, burnout, uncertainty, or a season where you’re rebuilding, I hope this feels like a hand on your shoulder saying: you’re not behind, you’re becoming.If you get a chance to read it, let me know what you think!This podcast does not serve as a substitute for medical advice.

Structuring time with chronic illness isn’t about productivity. It’s about sustainability and consistency where and when you can.In this video, I share how I structure my weeks in a way that supports my health, my work, and my life, without constantly pushing myself into crashes.I talk about energy budgeting, separating non-negotiables, flexible tasks, and “life things,” scheduling rest before work, and letting go of comparison with hustle productivity culture.This is a gentle, realistic approach to weekly planning for anyone living with chronic illness, fatigue, POTS, or dysautonomia.This podcast does not serve as a substitute for medical advice.

Today we have our first special guest!Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, or CAH, is often explained in textbooks through hormones, enzymes, and pathways. But real life with CAH is far more layered than a diagram.In this episode, I’m joined by my best friend, a specialist in healthcare and biotech, to unpack CAH through both a clinical lens and a lived one. We explore what CAH actually is, how cortisol and aldosterone dysregulation impact the body, and why managing CAH goes far beyond “just taking medication.”We talk honestly about energy levels, stress tolerance, illness, and the invisible calculations people with CAH are making every single day. We also dive into why CAH is frequently misunderstood, how gaps between clinical knowledge and patient experience can form, and what better education and advocacy could look like going forward.This episode is for anyone living with CAH, supporting someone who is, or wanting a clearer, more human understanding of how rare endocrine conditions show up in real bodies and real lives.Educational, grounded, and deeply relatable. This is CAH, explained without the white noise.This podcast does not serve as a substitute for medical advice.

If exercise makes you feel worse instead of better, you’re not imagining it. In this video, I explain what exercise intolerance actually is, why traditional fitness advice often fails people with chronic illness, and how movement can be adapted to support your nervous system instead of overwhelming it.We talk about the science behind exercise intolerance, the crash cycle, and gentle programming principles that prioritise safety, recovery, and sustainability, especially for people with conditions like POTS and dysautonomia.I talk about my personal thought process towards exercise and how I have actively worked to reframe it.This is a supportive, science-backed conversation for anyone who wants to move their body without triggering symptom flares.My course is available online for guided exercise support - POTS Starter Programme on www.tovewoodexphys.comThis podcast does not serve as a substitute for medical advice.

Chronic illness fatigue isn’t just feeling tired.It’s a full-body, neurological experience that doesn’t always improve with rest or sleep.In this episode, I break down what chronic illness fatigue actually is, how it differs from everyday tiredness, and why people with conditions like POTS, dysautonomia, and CAH experience exhaustion so differently.We also talk about post-exertional symptom flares, nervous system dysregulation, and the emotional toll of constantly being misunderstood.This episode is for anyone living with chronic illness, and for anyone who wants to better understand what fatigue really feels like when your body doesn’t regulate normally.You’re not imagining it.And you’re not alone.This podcast does not serve as a substitute for medical advice.

Most of the hardest parts of chronic illness don’t happen in public.In this episode, I talk about what it’s really like to live with an invisible illness, from the constant energy calculations and cancelled plans to the grief, guilt, and resilience that often go unseen.This is a reflective, validating conversation for anyone navigating chronic illness, and for anyone who wants to better understand what their loved ones may be carrying quietly.You’re not imagining it.You’re not alone.And your experience is valid.

Website: www.tovewoodexphys.com - POTS Starter ProgrammeIn this gentle, metaphorical Friday Fable, we follow Aubrey, who discovers that life isn’t about keeping up — it’s about finding a rhythm that feels right. Along the way, she learns the importance of support, pacing, and letting her loved ones be part of her healing journey.This story is a warm reminder that movement doesn’t have to be perfect or lonely. Sometimes the smallest steps become easier when someone is dancing beside you.At the end of the episode, I share a short introduction to the Evergreen POTS Starter Programme, a self-paced resource for anyone looking to understand their symptoms, regulate their nervous system, build safe movement habits, and feel supported through their recovery.✨ Cozy • Calming • InsightfulPerfect for a gentle end to your week.

In this episode of The Dizzy Diaries, we explore what it really means to make exercise part of the “dance of life” - especially when you’re managing POTS, dysautonomia, family responsibilities, fatigue, or an endlessly busy schedule.We’ll break down the clinical side first: how routine movement supports your heart, nervous system, energy levels, and day-to-day function. Then, I’ll share a real client story about how we transformed her weekly routine by bringing exercise into her life rather than trying to squeeze it around the edges — including a beautiful family session in the park where movement became connection, support, and joy.We finish with three practical tips you can start today to make exercise feel more doable, more flexible, and more naturally woven into your everyday rhythm.✨ Supportive • Practical • Science-backed • RelatablePerfect for anyone trying to rebuild movement habits while living with chronic illness.

This Sunday Session is all about the slow seasons — those phases where your health dips, symptoms flare, or you’re moving through an injury, and suddenly everything feels heavier than it should. If you’ve been waking up each day in discomfort, feeling mentally low, or wondering why even small tasks feel overwhelming, this episode is for you.We explore:How chronic symptoms and daily discomfort impact your brain and moodWhy slowing down is a form of resilience, not weaknessThe science behind reducing stimulation to calm inflammation and nervous system stressHow giving your body less to fight against can actually help you rebuild strength long-termWhat compassionate pacing looks like during a low-health periodAnd I share a little update on something I’ve been quietly working on behind the scenes — a supportive, nervous-system-aware POTS programme built for both your strong seasons and your slower ones.If you’re in a low phase right now, take a breath. You’re not falling behind. You’re repairing. You’re protecting your energy. You’re building the foundation for the next chapter.Settle in, soften your shoulders, and let’s talk about resilience — the quiet kind. ✨

This week’s Friday Fable follows Poppy, a gentle-hearted wanderer who discovers that rebuilding strength doesn’t always look like climbing mountains — sometimes, it’s learning to lift tiny stones, one at a time.In this soft, comforting tale, we explore:• How small, consistent efforts can rebuild capacity• Why pacing is a form of wisdom, not weakness• The quiet courage required to honour your limits• How progress often grows in stillness, not speedIf you’re navigating chronic illness, dysautonomia, or a season of recovery, Poppy’s journey is a reminder that you’re allowed to grow slowly — and that tiny wins still move you forward.Curl up, take a breath, and let this fable be your gentle exhale for the week.And as always… stay sparkly. ✨

Strength training might sound intimidating when you live with POTS or dysautonomia — but the right approach can transform your stability, circulation, and confidence.In this week’s clinical episode of The Dizzy Diaries, we break down exactly how to build strength safely, sustainably, and without triggering symptom flares.Inside this episode, you’ll learn:• Why strength training supports blood flow, venous return, and autonomic regulation• How stronger muscles reduce pooling and improve everyday function• How to find your starting point (even if it feels like zero)• Chair-based, floor-based, and standing progressions• Simple ways to structure strength sessions around your symptoms• Why slow, consistent progression beats intensity every timeThis episode is perfect if you’re rebuilding after a flare, feeling unsure where to begin, or wanting to feel more grounded and capable in daily life.Grab a comfy seat, take a deep breath - and let’s get stronger, safely and sparkly. ✨This podcast does not serve as a substitute for medical advice.

This week, we’re talking about something a lot of us with POTS and dysautonomia feel but don’t always say out loud… the fear of exercise.Not the “ugh I don’t want to go to the gym” kind of reluctance — the real, body-level fear that comes from past experiences of dizziness, heart rate spikes, nausea, and feeling like your body “crashes” when you try to move.In this episode, we explore:Why this fear is completely valid (and actually protective)The physiology behind why movement can feel so hardHow to reintroduce gentle exercise without overwhelming your systemWhat it means to treat movement as a conversation with your body, not a battleAnd yes… I’m quietly working away on something in the background — a supportive POTS-specific movement programme designed to feel safe, achievable, and nervous-system-aware. It’s not ready yet, but it’s coming. I promise you’ll be the first to know. 💗Grab a tea, get comfy, and let’s take this one step at a time — together.

In this week’s Friday Fable, we meet Jill - a woman living in a village that never stops ringing its bells.At first, the sounds meant life and joy… but over time, they became overwhelming.Until Jill learns that peace doesn’t always come from silencing the world - but from learning when to step away and listen to her own rhythm again.A gentle, comforting story for anyone who’s ever felt overstimulated, exhausted, or in need of quiet.💫 Take a breath, settle in, and let this story remind you that even in a noisy world, you can still find calm.

Ever feel like your body is running on too many tabs at once? In this episode, we dive into the science behind overstimulation and why people with POTS and dysautonomia often feel overwhelmed by noise, light, or even emotions.We’ll talk about what’s actually happening inside your nervous system, how research links autonomic dysregulation to sensory overload, and most importantly — practical ways to calm your system down when everything feels “too much.”✨ Inside this episode:Why your body misreads normal input as “danger”How nervous system overload affects focus, fatigue, and heart rateGrounding and sensory reset tools you can use right nowBecause calming your body isn’t weakness — it’s regulation. 💗🎙️ Hosted by Tove Wood — bringing science, empathy, and a little sparkle to chronic illness conversations.

In this first Sunday Session, I share a story I haven’t thought about in years — a moment during my second IVIG treatment that taught me what it truly means to be your own advocate.This episode explores mental health resilience, the balance between trust and self-advocacy, and why caring for your mind is just as vital as caring for your body.A gentle reminder that even when the system falls short, you still have power in your own healing journey. 💫

When Anna’s body slows to a crawl, she feels like she’s sinking beneath the waves — her energy gone, her plans adrift. But as she learns to float instead of fight, she discovers that stillness isn’t failure… it’s a different kind of strength. 🌊✨This gentle fable explores what it feels like to experience a flare — the frustration, the quiet, and the courage it takes to rest. Inspired by the clinical episode “From Flare to Functional: How to Pace Without Feeling Like You’ve Quit.”💖 Listen, breathe, and remember: stillness is part of the story too.#FridayFables #TheDizzyDiaries #POTS #ChronicIllness #FlareLife

Pacing isn’t giving up - it’s strategy. ✨In this episode, we explore the art and science of pacing when you live with POTS or dysautonomia — how to find your rhythm between movement, rest, and recovery without falling into the guilt trap of “doing less.”We cover:💫 Why overdoing it leads to post-exertional crashes🩺 How symptom tracking, pacing schedules, and heart rate monitoring can help🧠 The mental side of pacing - from guilt to self-compassion💖 Why pacing is one of the most powerful tools for regaining function and confidenceBecause learning your limits isn’t weakness - it’s wisdom.✨ Pacing isn’t the pause before progress - it is progress.🎙️ Hosted by Tové - Exercise Physiologist, chronic illness advocate, and your POTS bestie.This podcast does not serve as a substitute for medical advice.

Sage once loved the sparkle of festive gatherings, but chronic illness left her feeling like a guest trapped in her own body. In this gentle tale, she learns that joy doesn’t mean doing it all — it means choosing moments that matter, pacing her energy, and finding magic in presence over pressure.If the busy season has you feeling stretched thin, let this fable remind you that rest, boundaries, and mindful choices can bring the glow back to your celebrations.Stay sparkly ✨

Living with a chronic illness means your life doesn’t always run at the same pace as others — and that can feel isolating, especially during busy seasons like the end of the year. In this episode of The Dizzy Diaries, we dive into the mental health side of chronic illness: fighting comparison, embracing your current season, and learning how to adjust your expectations with compassion.We’ll explore practical tools to help you finish the year with more ease:✨ Auditing your rituals and routines✨ Protecting your energy during social events✨ Communicating with friends and family about what you can do✨ Creating recovery time around festive gatheringsThis conversation is about resilience, kindness to yourself, and reminding you that your season — whatever it looks like — still holds meaning and joy.

In a small coastal town, a magical lantern once lit up the harbour with a brilliant glow. But as time passed, its light began to flicker unpredictably. Fearing it was broken, the lantern lost hope — until a wise fisherman showed it that shining in short bursts, with periods of rest, could be just as powerful as burning endlessly.This gentle fable is a metaphor for fatigue and energy budgeting in chronic illness. It’s about learning to pace, rest, and choose where to shine, rather than feeling like you have to keep burning at full brightness all the time.✨ What you’ll hear in this episode:– A soothing story about a lantern learning to glow wisely– A metaphor for fatigue, pacing, and spoon theory– A reminder that your light is still magic, even when it flickersHi, I’m Tové — your POTS bestie 💖 This is Friday Fables, where stories and science meet with a spoonful of sparkle.

Living with POTS or dysautonomia often means relying on three simple but powerful tools: salt, water, and compression. But what do they actually do inside the body — and how can you make them work for you without feeling overwhelmed?In this episode of The Dizzy Diaries, we dive into:Why salt helps your body hold onto blood volumeThe science behind hydration and the “osmopressor response”How compression garments reduce blood pooling and dizzinessEasy, practical tips to make these strategies part of everyday lifeWhether you’re newly diagnosed or looking for fresh ideas, this episode will help you understand the why behind these tried-and-true tools — and give you practical ways to use them with confidence.✨ Stay sparkly, and remember — small changes can make a big difference.

Prince Elliot is trapped inside a castle filled with a thousand locked doors. Each visitor brings him a new key, promising it will be the one to set him free. But no matter how many he tries, the doors never stay open for long—until he learns the power of keeping track, noticing patterns, and creating his own map through the maze.This gentle fable is a metaphor for the medical mystery of chronic illness and the exhausting trial-and-error journey of finding what helps. It’s for anyone who has ever felt lost in a blur of treatments, tests, or advice—and needed the reminder that persistence, self-advocacy, and small wins matter.💫 What to expect:– A magical story about navigating trial and error in chronic illness– A metaphor for persistence, tracking, and noticing patterns– A reminder that progress isn’t linear, but your efforts aren’t wastedHi, I’m Tové — your POTS bestie — and this is Friday Fables, where stories and science meet with a spoonful of sparkle. Let’s begin.

Cardio exercise can feel terrifying when you live with POTS or dysautonomia — but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, we break down what safe cardiovascular training really looks like, why it matters, and how to start gently improving your tolerance without pushing your body past its limits.Inside this episode, we cover:Why cardiovascular health is essential for people with POTSHow exercise supports oxygen delivery, circulation, and nervous system regulationHow to find your starting level using RPE and symptom scalesThree safe approaches to build tolerance:1️⃣ Recumbent exercise — perfect for starting from zero2️⃣ Walking & gentle intervals — including the trending Japanese method3️⃣ BACPR-style circuits — cardiac rehab principles adapted for POTSWhether you’re just starting out or looking to rebuild your capacity, this episode is here to help you move safely, steadily, and sustainably — with a little bit of sparkle along the way. ✨💡 For more guidance on the BACPR model and gentle, science-backed principles for exercising with POTS, check out my resource here:The Science-Backed Exercise Guide for POTSThis podcast does not serve as a substitute for medical advice.

Theme: Brain Fog & Cognitive FatigueEver felt like your thoughts are moving through honey? Like the words are there, but they slip through your fingers before you can catch them?In this Friday Fable, follow Elara into a mysterious library where clocks tick slowly, sentences rearrange themselves, and time bends under the weight of brain fog. Through hidden doors and quiet paths, she discovers the secret tools to navigate cognitive fatigue — grounding, pacing, and permission to rest.If you’ve ever struggled with POTS, dysautonomia, or chronic illness, this story is for you. A reminder that even when your mind feels hazy and slow, there are still gentle ways forward.🕰️ Sometimes, healing isn’t about pushing harder — it’s about finding the hidden shortcuts.Stay Sparkly, Tove'.

Ever feel like your brain is buffering while the world moves at full speed? Living with POTS and dysautonomia can make even the simplest moments — standing up, focusing on a conversation, walking across a room — feel impossible.In this episode, we break down:Why brain fog happens in POTS — from poor blood flow to the brain to nervous system dysregulationHow balance gets affected Practical strategies to ground yourself, manage symptoms, and support cognitive function“It’s like living in a body that forgot to pay its WiFi bill.”This is your safe corner to feel understood and supported, with a mix of science, practical tips, and a reminder that you’re not alone in this dizzy, foggy journey.Grab my book here: https://amzn.eu/d/eSRZ8aC

In the village of Virelle, every tiny breeze sets off a blaring alarm. The townspeople live in a constant state of alert, exhausted and overwhelmed by warning bells that never seem to stop. But when a mysterious traveller arrives, she teaches them how to reset their systems—not by fighting the alarms, but by listening to them with compassion.This story is a gentle metaphor for an overactive autonomic nervous system, anxiety, and dysautonomia. If your body feels like it’s always on high alert—even when nothing’s wrong—this fable will feel like a breath of fresh air.💫 What to expect:– A calming story about nervous system dysregulation– Practical metaphors for grounding, calming, and self-regulation– A reminder that your body isn’t broken—it just needs safety signalsHi, I’m Tové — your POTS bestie — and this is Friday Fables, where stories and science meet with a spoonful of sparkle.

When your heart races, your head spins, and standing feels like climbing Everest, the idea of exercising can sound impossible — or even dangerous. But here’s the truth: the right kind of movement can actually help retrain your body.In this episode of The Dizzy Diaries, we dive into:Why graded, safe exercise helps regulate blood flow and reduce dizzinessHow movement supports neuroplasticity and nervous system regulationResearch-backed tips for pacing, compression gear, hydration, and floor-based exercisesBusting the myth that “all exercise is bad for POTS”Whether you’re brand new to dysautonomia or rebuilding your tolerance, this episode gives you the science and practical strategies to move safely and confidently.🎙️ Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice.

Princess Marisol wakes up each morning with grand plans—letters to write, cakes to bake, dreams to chase. But as soon as her day begins, her thoughts slip away, her energy drains, and time seems to vanish into mist. When she discovers an ancient hourglass and a guide who teaches her the art of gentle structure, she begins to reclaim her day… one glowing moment at a time.This metaphorical fable is for anyone living with brain fog, fatigue, or chronic illness. If your days often disappear before they’ve even begun, this story will help you feel seen—and remind you that soft structure and self-compassion can bring clarity, even in the fog.💫 What to expect:– A whimsical metaphor for brain fog and executive dysfunction– Gentle encouragement to work with your energy, not against it– A magical story full of lanterns, lists, and quiet victoriesHi, I’m Tové — your POTS bestie — and this is Friday Fables, where stories and science meet with a spoonful of sparkle.

What does POTS really feel like?In this episode of The Dizzy Diaries, Tové dives into the sensory and emotional experience of living with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) — from heart-pounding moments to the crushing fatigue that comes out of nowhere.We explore creative “feels like…” descriptions from the POTS community (including the unforgettable “Your heart’s a YouTube ad on repeat — fast, annoying, and unavoidable”), and then break down the science behind three of the most common symptoms: rapid heart rate, dizziness, and fatigue.Drawing from research in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, Autonomic Neuroscience, and American Journal of Physiology, we uncover why POTS changes the way the body handles something as simple as standing — and why it’s anything but “just feeling dizzy.”Whether you have POTS, know someone who does, or simply want to understand the condition better, this episode blends science, storytelling, and real-life experience to bring you into the world of living with an invisible illness.Stay Sparkly!This podcast does not serve as a substitute for medical advice.

Leo is the fastest boy in the valley—always running, always chasing the wind. But the faster he moves, the more a strange storm follows him home: dizziness, exhaustion, and a fog that won’t lift. When he meets a wise old gardener who teaches him the art of slowing down, Leo begins to learn that balance—not speed—is the real path to freedom.This story is a gentle metaphor for exercise intolerance and post-exertional symptoms in POTS and chronic illness. It’s for anyone who has ever felt like their body betrayed them when they tried to do just a little more.💫 What to expect:– A whimsical look at post-exertional crashes and pacing– A gentle reminder that rest is not failure — it’s wisdom– A magical tale to help explain the “invisible storm” of chronic fatigueHi, I’m Tové — your POTS bestie — and this is Friday Fables, where stories and science meet with a spoonful of sparkle.

Ever wondered why just looking at a staircase feels like a personal attack when you have POTS? In this episode, we break down the science behind why stairs are so challenging for people with dysautonomia — from blood pooling to heart rate spikes — and how to manage them like a pacing pro. I’ll share real-life tips to build stair tolerance (without tears), plus a few funny fails of my own.💗 Let’s climb this one together — one step at a time.

In the very first episode of Friday Fables, meet a girl made of stardust — a girl who glimmered, even when the world told her to dim. But when chronic illness arrives like a shadow she can’t shake, her light begins to flicker… until she discovers that shining doesn’t always mean being bright — sometimes, it means simply being.This gentle, metaphorical story explores identity, invisibility, and the quiet resilience of those living with chronic illness, POTS, or fatigue-based conditions. Whether you're struggling to feel seen or learning to honour your own pace, this one’s for you.💫 What to expect:– A magical story for anyone who feels a little lost in the fog– Gentle encouragement to stay soft, even when things feel hard– A reminder that your glimmer doesn’t have to look like anyone else’sHi, I’m Tové — your POTS bestie — and this is Friday Fables, where stories and science meet with a spoonful of sparkle.

🎧 Episode 1: Meet Your POTS Bestie 💗Welcome to The Dizzy Diaries — a podcast where chronic illness meets a little science and a lot of sparkle. ✨In this first episode, Tové shares her story of living with POTS, what inspired this podcast, and what you can expect from future episodes. From dizzy spells to daily wins, let’s create a space where your lived experience is valid, understood, and celebrated.🩺 Expect: real talk, research, gentle encouragement, and a few sparkles along the way.This is not a substitute for medical advice — just a cozy corner to learn, relate, and laugh together.